ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture has been partnering with the state of Maharashtra for development of brackishwater aquaculture like identification of potential aquaculture areas applying CIBA’s Responsible Aquaculture Zone Planning methods and demonstration of livelihood development models for the fisher families of Sindhudurg district through cage aquaculture of Asian Seabass with technology, capacity development and inputs support. Further, ICAR-CIBA has provided detailed project report and technical guidance to prepare seabass hatchery design in the proposed multi-species hatchery being set up in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. To implement the proposal, Shri Nitesh Rane, Guardian Minister of Sindhudurg district and Minister for Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, laid the foundation stone to establish multi-species hatchery facility with a budget of ₹22.24-crore at Ubhadanda, Vengurla taluka, Sindhudurg on 16 October 2026.
The Minister highlighted that establishment of this multi-species hatchery would ensure the supply of quality seed for seabass, mud crab and bivalves to support sustainable aquaculture, generate livelihood and employment opportunities for fishers, women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and young entrepreneurs across the Konkan region. The multi-species hatchery is funded by the Mangrove Cell, Government of Maharashtra and will focus on seed production of Asian seabass, mud crab, oysters and mussels, with technical support from ICAR-CIBA for seabass, ICAR-CMFRI for bivalves and RGCA for mud crabs.
During the occasion, Shri Bhanudas Palve, IAS, Commissioner of Fisheries, Govt. of Maharashtra, highlighted the project’s significance for marine fisheries and brackishwater aquaculture and assured timely completion of the hatchery. Shri Mahesh Deore, Additional Fisheries Commissioner, Govt. of Maharashtra, highlighted hatchery’s potential to strengthen local livelihoods through scientific seed production and bio-secure aquaculture practices.
Smt. Kanchan Pawar, Divisional Forest Officer, South Konkan Region, emphasised interdepartmental collaboration to promote fisheries development while safeguarding the environment.
Shri Pankaj Patil, Scientist, ICAR-CIBA’s Navsari Regional Centre, who participated in the meeting highlighted the importance of multispecies hatchery harnessing Maharashtra’s brackishwater resources for sustainable aquaculture, particularly high-value seabass cage farming for the livelihood development of fisher families. This is the second seabass hatchery being established with the ICAR-CIBA’s consultancy in the west coast, the first one was established in Karnataka.
Shri Sagar Kuvasekar, Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Govt. of Maharashtra, proposed the vote of thanks.
